Proud as punch: Greater Shepparton City Council Cr Anthony Brophy presenting the Mooroopna Citizen of the Year 2023 award to Neville Musgrove.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
When Neville Musgrove had his name read out as Mooroopna Citizen of the Year, he began his long walk from the back of the crowd at Ferrari Park to the lectern.
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Walking through the crowd, with cheers and jeers ringing out, Mr Musgrove shook his head and an uncontrollable smile split his head in two.
He said it reminded him of his football-playing days, getting ready to run on to the field.
“I was very fluttery in my stomach, like I was about to play my first game,” Mr Musgrove said.
“It’s an out-of-body feeling.
“It means the world to me but I don't do this stuff for the awards, I do it because I enjoy helping people, both individuals and community stuff.
“I just love it. I just get so much satisfaction out of doing stuff. I get bored very easily, so I'd rather be doing something constructive.”
Mr Cosgrove has been a titan of the Mooroopna community for decades, volunteering at the Mooroopna Football Netball Club, Golf Club, Historical Society, Cricket Club and Rotary Club.
In disbelief: Neville Musgrove makes his way to the lectern after being named Senior Citizen of the Year 2023.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Beyond that, he donates time and resources to help mow lawns, clean up mess and play taxi for people in need.
During the floods he helped people prepare by sandbagging, as well as cleaning up after the water subsided.
On stage accepting the award, Mr Musgrove thanked his wife, Suzanne, for her understanding when he disappeared after a cup of tea most mornings — often not returning for hours.
“All these jobs I’ve been doing over the last few years I wouldn’t be doing if I didn’t enjoy what I do,” he said.
“When we were Boy Scouts and Cubs one of our mottos was ‘do a good turn for somebody every day’, and I’ve tried to do that my whole life.”
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